Mobile advertising frame

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0001Businesses, especially small businesses, are faced with the problem of skyrocketing costs of advertising in today's market. Roadside billboards are generally too expensive for most small businesses. As a cheaper alternative, mobile billboards or methods of placing advertising onto different sides of vehicles have been proposed so as to allow viewing by others when the vehicle is moving or parked.

0002Today, many motor vehicles are equipped with trailer hitch receivers that allow the vehicle operator to tow trailers, boats and other machinery. Trailer hitch receivers also allow for the attachment of other carriers for the transport of miscellaneous goods such as luggage, bicycles and general merchandise that would not otherwise fit into the cargo space of the vehicle. Devices are known that utilize the trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle for use in displaying advertising signage. For example, a frame that includes a trailer hitch attachment may be attached to the trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle and include a sign mounted thereon for advertisement purposes.

0003In some instances it may be desirable to provide advertising signage at the rear of a vehicle. The license plate, braking lamps, back-up lamps, and other vehicle components are located at the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the rears of vehicles provide access to the cargo area of the vehicle and therefore include tailgates, hatches or trunks. Current advertising signage designed to attach to the trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle is limited in size due to the aforementioned constraints. For example, it is desirable that signage on the back of a vehicle not interfere with the opening and closing of the vehicle's tailgate or trunk. With such constraints, current advertising signage that utilizes the trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle is generally small and cannot be sized so as to be even close to the width or height of the rear of the vehicle.

0004Additionally, current advertising signage that may be used on the back of a vehicle with the trailer hitch receiver may not allow for the signage to be easily changed out. In this regard, the entire frame and sign must be replaced should a new sign be desired. Further, some frames configured for holding advertising signage do not allow for more modern innovations such as LED screens, scrolling screens, flat-screen displays and multi-display screens to be utilized.

SUMMARY

0005Various features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned from practice of the invention.

0006The present invention provides for an advertising frame for use with a vehicle so as to render the advertising frame mobile. The advertising frame includes a vehicle engagement member that is configured for engaging a vehicle. Also included is a signage member that is configured for carrying advertising signage. The signage member is pivotable with respect to the vehicle engagement member so as to be configured for providing access to the rear of a vehicle. In certain instances, access to the tailgate, hatch, trunk, spare tire or other desired component or portion of the vehicle may be obtained.

0007Also provided for in accordance with the present invention is an advertising frame as previously mentioned in which the vehicle engagement member is configured for engaging a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. A base member may be attached to the vehicle engagement member and a hinge may be attached to the base member and to the signage member so as to render the signage member pivotable with respect to the base member.

0008A further exemplary embodiment exists in an advertising frame as previously discussed in which the base member is wider than the width of a trunk, tailgate, or hatch of a vehicle so at to allow access to compartments or objects in or on the rear of the vehicle.

0009Also provided for in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an advertising frame as previously discussed in which the signage member defines at least two channels. The channels are configured for receiving advertising signage so as to retain advertising signage onto the signage member.

0010A further exemplary embodiment exists in an advertising frame as previously discussed that further includes a light configured for illuminating advertising signage that may be carried by the signage member. Additionally or alternatively, a planar backing plate may be attached to the signage member so as to block wind from blowing through or past the signage member and thus against the advertising signage.

0011The present invention also provides for an advertising frame as previously discussed that includes advertising signage that may be a billboard, an electronic scrolling sign, an LED screen, a flat-screen display, and/or a multi-display billboard.

0012The present invention also provides for an advertising frame for use with a vehicle so as to render the advertising frame mobile. The advertising frame includes a vehicle engagement member that is configured for engaging a trailer hitch receiver of a vehicle. A base member is also included and is attached to the vehicle engagement member. The base member has a horizontal member attached to a pair of vertical members. A signage member is present and has an outer perimeter that is rectangular shaped. The signage member defines at least two channels that are configured for receiving advertising signage so as to retain the advertising signage onto the signage member. A hinge is attached to one of the vertical members of the base member and to the signage member so as to render the signage member horizontally pivotable with respect to the base member. Additionally, a planar backing plate is included and is attached to a signage member and configured for blocking wind from blowing through the signage member.

0013These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended FIGS. in which:

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a vehicle with an advertising frame attached to a trailer hitch receiver in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the advertising frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in which the signage member is pivoted with respect to the vehicle to allow for opening of the tailgate of the vehicle.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front view of an advertising frame in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top view of the advertising frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a signage member used with the advertising frame in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The signage member is adapted for receiving a billboard.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top view of an advertising frame that includes a locking device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a front view of an advertising frame that includes a rear tail light assembly, lights for illuminating advertising signage, and advertising signage that is a multi-display sign in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a front view of an advertising frame that includes a signage member that holds advertising signage that is an LED screen and that is vertically pivotable with respect to the base member of the advertising frame in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a front view of an advertising frame that has advertising signage that is a scrolling sign and is vertically pivotable with respect to the vehicle engagement member in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

0024Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

0025Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.

0026It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to about 7 also includes a limit of up to about 5, up to about 3, and up to about 4.5.

0027The present invention provides for an advertising frame <b>10</b> for use with a vehicle <b>16</b> so as to render the advertising frame <b>10</b> mobile. The advertising frame <b>10</b> is configured to be carried on the vehicle <b>16</b>. In certain exemplary embodiments, the advertising frame <b>10</b> includes a vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> designed so as to be carried on a trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>. The advertising frame <b>10</b> also includes a signage member <b>20</b> that carries advertising signage <b>22</b> and is configured to be pivotable with respect the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> so that access to the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> may be obtained. In this manner, the advertising frame <b>10</b> may carry advertising signage <b>22</b> of a substantial size so as to cover a large portion of the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>. The advertising signage <b>22</b> may be a standard billboard type sign that has lettering, numbering or images printed on one side thereof. The advertising frame <b>10</b> may be capable of being pivoted out of the way so as to provide access for the user to open the tailgate <b>52</b>, hatch or trunk of the vehicle <b>16</b>.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of the advertising frame <b>10</b> attached to the rear <b>32</b> of a pickup truck <b>16</b>. The advertising frame <b>10</b> includes a vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> that is attached to a trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> in a manner commonly known in the art. The vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> may be easily detachable from the vehicle <b>16</b> during times in which advertising is not desired. The vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> may be configured for attachment to any type of trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b>, not just those shown in the figures. The advertising frame <b>10</b> includes a base member <b>18</b> attached to the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and sized so as to have components wider than the width <b>34</b> of the tailgate <b>52</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> and/or other cargo areas or portions of the vehicle <b>16</b> sought to be accessed. A signage member <b>20</b> is included and holds advertising signage <b>22</b> that is sized so as to cover substantially all of the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>. A hinge <b>24</b> attaches the signage member <b>20</b> to the base member <b>18</b> and places these two components into pivotable engagement with one another.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows the signage member <b>20</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> swung into the open position. As the base member <b>18</b> is wider than the tailgate <b>52</b> of vehicle <b>16</b>, the advertising frame <b>10</b> provides room for the user to lower the tailgate <b>52</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> without obstruction. In this manner, the advertising frame <b>10</b> is beneficial in that it allows for advertising signage <b>22</b> of a sufficient size to be employed on the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> while still allowing a user of the vehicle <b>16</b> to access components or portions of the rear <b>32</b>. Pivoting of the signage member <b>20</b> allows for trunks, hatches and other compartments in the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> to be accessed. Additionally, other components on the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> may be accessed such as spare tires. It is to be understood that the use of the advertising frame <b>10</b> in allowing for the lowering of the tailgate <b>52</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> is but one example of the utility of the advertising frame <b>10</b>.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front view of the advertising frame <b>10</b> without the presence of the advertising signage <b>22</b>. As shown, the base member <b>18</b> is a substantially U-shaped component that includes a horizontal member <b>46</b> attached to two vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b>. The distance between the inner surfaces of the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> is desirably larger than the width <b>34</b> of the tailgate <b>52</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> so as to allow for opening of the tailgate <b>52</b> without removal of the advertising frame <b>10</b>. The distance between the inner surfaces of the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> may be sized so as to allow for the opening of trunks and hatches along with allowing access to other components on the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>. However, in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> may be made smaller in the event access to only a portion of the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> is desired. For example, if one desires only to be able to access a spare tire located on the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>, the base member <b>18</b> may be sized accordingly so that the width <b>34</b> of the tailgate <b>52</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> is in fact larger than the distance between the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b>.

0031The base member <b>18</b> may be sized so that the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> are spaced apart at a larger distance than the width of the vehicle <b>16</b> and/or the width of the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>. Of course, the base member <b>18</b> may be sized to be narrower than the width of the vehicle <b>16</b> and/or the width of the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> in other exemplary embodiments. When measuring the distances between the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b>, the distance between the inner surfaces of these members are measured. The distance between the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> may be from two inches to six inches greater than the width of the trunk, tailgate <b>52</b>, hatch, or component on the vehicle <b>16</b> in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that in accordance with yet other exemplary embodiments that the width of the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> or the advertising frame <b>10</b> in general may be less than the width of the trunk, tailgate <b>52</b>, hatch, or component on the vehicle <b>16</b>.

0032A hinge <b>24</b> is attached to the vertical member <b>50</b> and to the signage member <b>20</b>. Hinge <b>24</b> is capable of allowing the signage member <b>20</b> to pivot with respect to the base member <b>18</b> and may be selected so as to be any type of component capable of performing this function. For instance, the hinge <b>24</b> may be a piano hinge in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the hinge <b>24</b> need not be a separate component of the advertising frame <b>10</b> but may be instead formed upon shaping a portion of the base member <b>18</b> and the signage member <b>20</b> so that these two components are engaged and pivotable with respect to one another. Further, the hinge <b>24</b> may be provided in any number or any manner in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. For example, the hinge <b>24</b> may be provided so as to include a spring therein that acts to control the opening of the signage member <b>20</b> and to urge the signage member <b>20</b> back into a closed position once the user lets go.

0033As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the hinge <b>24</b> is attached to the vertical member <b>50</b> and to the signage member <b>20</b> so as to cause the signage member <b>20</b> to pivot about the vertical member <b>50</b> while maintaining the same vertical position. As such, the signage member <b>20</b> is horizontally pivoted in the exemplary embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> because the signage member <b>20</b> pivots only in the horizontal direction.

0034The other vertical member <b>48</b> of the base member <b>18</b> is provided with a latch <b>26</b> that may be used to fix the position of the signage member <b>20</b> with respect to the base member <b>18</b>. The latch <b>26</b> may be variously configured in accordance with different exemplary embodiments. For instance, the latch <b>26</b> may include a pin <b>28</b> that is received within a receiver <b>30</b> located on the signage member <b>20</b> so as to fix the position of the signage member <b>20</b> with respect to the base member <b>18</b>. It is to be understood that various ways and mechanisms for locking the position of the signage member <b>20</b> with respect to the base member <b>18</b> may be employed in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. Further, other exemplary embodiments do not include a latch <b>26</b> or other mechanism used to fix the position of the signage member <b>20</b> with respect to the base member <b>18</b>.

0035The vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> may be sized so as to be any desired height. For example, the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> may be from two feet to four feet in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments so as to allow for the signage member <b>20</b> to be sized accordingly. The base member <b>18</b>, including the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> if present, may be larger than the height of the vehicle <b>16</b> in certain exemplary embodiments. Additionally, it is to be understood that the various components of the advertising frame <b>10</b> may be made of any suitable material. For example, steel, aluminum, plastic, or any suitable material may be used to make the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b>, base member <b>18</b>, signage member <b>20</b>, and other components of the advertising frame <b>10</b>. As such, the advertising frame <b>10</b> is not limited to construction by a particular type of material.

0036The vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> may be attached to the base member <b>18</b> in a variety of manners. For instance, these two components may be welded onto one another or may be attached through the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts or pins. Further, in accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> may be made integral with the base member <b>18</b> so that the vehicle <b>16</b> is attached essentially directly to the base member <b>18</b>. The components making up the advertising frame <b>10</b> may be made of any material and may be sized and shaped in a variety of manners. For example, the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and the base member <b>18</b> may be made of steel or aluminum and may be shaped in the form of solid rods, hollow rods, I-beams, channels, square tubular members and/or flat bars in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top view of the advertising frame <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shown proximate to a trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> of a vehicle <b>16</b>. The vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> is rectangular tubing sized so as to be received within the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b>. The trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> may be a rectangular shaped receptacle that receives the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> that is in turn a rectangular shaped tubular member. The vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> may both have square shaped cross sections in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the cross sections of the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> need not be the same as one another in other embodiments. The vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> may be a three-inch square tube in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. A variety of pins or other fasteners used to releasably attach and detach the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> may be employed.

0038Once received therein, a trailer hitch receiver lock <b>56</b> may be employed in order to lock the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> into the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b>. The trailer hitch receiver lock <b>56</b> includes a pin <b>58</b> that has one end larger than the other so that the smaller end may be moved completely through holes disposed in the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b> and positioned on one side thereof while the larger end of the pin <b>58</b> is positioned on the other side. A lock <b>60</b> may be attached to the smaller end of the pin <b>58</b> and secured thereon so as to prevent removal of the advertising frame <b>10</b> and vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> from the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b>. The pin <b>58</b> cannot be slide out of engagement while the lock <b>60</b> is in place because the larger end of the pin <b>58</b> is sized so as to be greater than the hole through the trailer hitch receiver <b>14</b>. Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows one way in which the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> may be received and attached to the vehicle <b>16</b>, it is to be understood that other ways of carrying the advertising frame <b>10</b> onto the vehicle <b>16</b> are possible in accordance with other exemplary embodiments and that the arrangement shown in the FIGS. is only exemplary. For instance, the advertising frame <b>10</b> may be attached to a ball-type hitch receiver located on the vehicle <b>16</b>, the roof of the vehicle <b>16</b>, the undercarriage of the vehicle <b>16</b>, the side of the vehicle <b>16</b>, the bumper of the vehicle <b>16</b>, or to the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

0039The base member <b>18</b> includes a pair of sections <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> that extend from the horizontal member <b>46</b>. The sections <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> are sized so as to allow the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> along with the signage member <b>20</b> to be offset a desired distance from the horizontal member <b>46</b> and the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>. The sections <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> may be selected so as to provide for any desired offset. For example, the sections <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> may provide for a six-inch offset of the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> from the horizontal member <b>46</b>. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the sections <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> may be sized so as to be from six inches to twenty-four inches in length. Alternatively, the base member <b>18</b> may be designed so as to not include the section <b>76</b> and <b>78</b>. In this manner, the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> along with the signage member <b>20</b> may be located directly above the horizontal member <b>46</b>. Alternatively, other configurations of the advertising frame <b>10</b> are possible so as to offset any desired portion of the advertising frame <b>10</b> from the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b>.

0040The base member <b>18</b> includes three holes <b>54</b> in the horizontal member <b>46</b>. The three holes <b>54</b> may be provided so as to afford bracing of the advertising frame <b>10</b>. In this manner, bolts may be disposed through the holes <b>54</b> and into the bumper or other portion of the vehicle <b>16</b> to further secure the advertising frame <b>10</b> thereon. Any number of holes <b>54</b> may be employed in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. For instance, up to twelve holes <b>54</b> may be used in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments to securely fasten the advertising frame <b>10</b> to the vehicle <b>16</b>. Additionally, no holes <b>54</b> may be used in accordance with other exemplary embodiments.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of the signage member <b>20</b> shown in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. Here, the signage member <b>20</b> includes a top <b>62</b> and a bottom <b>64</b> that are made of two inch channel that are reduced to ½ inch channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> on one end thereof into which the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be inserted. Channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> receive and hold the advertising signage <b>22</b> into position. Although desired as 2 inch and ½ inch, the channels <b>36</b>, <b>38</b>, <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> may be of any size in other embodiments.

0042A variety of mechanisms may be employed to render the signage member <b>20</b> capable of holding the advertising signage <b>22</b>. For example, the channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> may extend a certain length, such as four inches to twelve inches, across the signage member <b>20</b>. Alternatively, the channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> may be defined across the entire length of the top <b>62</b> and bottom <b>64</b> of the signage member <b>20</b>. Still further, opposite ends of the top <b>62</b> and bottom <b>64</b> may have the channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b>. The channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> may be sized so as to snuggly receive the advertising signage <b>22</b> so that the advertising signage <b>22</b> is held thereon without the need for additional fasteners or other components so as to securely fit the advertising signage <b>22</b> to the signage member <b>20</b>. The signage member <b>20</b> may be designed so as to allow for the advertising signage <b>22</b> to be easily removed and replaced. Although channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> are shown to retain the advertising signage <b>22</b> to the signage member <b>20</b>, it is to be understood that a variety of mechanisms are possible and known in the art that may be used so as to affect attachment of the advertising signage <b>22</b> and the signage member <b>20</b>. The configuration shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is but one exemplary embodiment and it is to be understood that other configurations are possible.

0043The signage member <b>20</b> also includes a side <b>66</b> and a side <b>68</b> located on opposite ends of the top <b>62</b> and bottom <b>64</b>. The side <b>66</b> may be made of two inch flat bar while the side <b>68</b> may be made of tubing or two inch channel. The side <b>66</b> is configured so as to allow for the advertising signage <b>22</b> to be slid therethrough and into the signage member <b>20</b>. Additionally, the side <b>66</b> is configured so as to allow for the advertising signage <b>22</b> to be easily removed from the signage member <b>20</b>. In one configuration, the side <b>66</b> includes a pair of two-inch flat bars through which the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be slid. The side of the signage member <b>20</b> through which the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be removed and inserted may be opposite from the side that is hinged to the base member <b>18</b>. In this manner, the signage member <b>20</b> may be swung into the open position so that the side <b>66</b> through which the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be removed and inserted is easily accessible.

0044Although shown inserted into side <b>66</b>, it is to be understood that the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be inserted into the signage member <b>20</b> in locations other than those opposite the hinge <b>24</b>. For example, the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be inserted into the top <b>62</b> and/or bottom <b>64</b> of the signage member <b>20</b> in accordance with other exemplary embodiments.

0045The advertising signage <b>22</b> carried by the advertising frame <b>10</b> may have a width from two to five feet in certain exemplary embodiments. In still other embodiments, the width of the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be greater than or equal to three feet. Additionally or alternatively, the advertising signage <b>22</b> carried by the advertising frame <b>10</b> may be from one to three feet in height in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. In yet other embodiments, the height of the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be greater than or equal to 1½ feet. It is to be understood, however, that the advertising frame <b>10</b> may be configured to carry advertising signage <b>22</b> of any desired size and is not limited to any particular size. For example, the advertising frame <b>10</b> and/or advertising signage <b>22</b> may extend to a location above the roof of the vehicle <b>16</b> or outboard of the sides of the vehicle <b>16</b> in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

0046A backing plate <b>44</b> may be provided and may be attached to the signage member <b>20</b> in order to prevent wind generated by movement of the vehicle <b>16</b> from blowing past or through the signage member <b>20</b>. It may be the case that wind will create undesirable movement of the advertising signage <b>22</b> potentially causing the advertising signage <b>22</b> to be blown from the signage member <b>20</b>. The backing plate <b>44</b> may be a flat member made of steel or aluminum and may extend across the entire width and height of the signage member <b>20</b> or across only a portion thereof. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be attached directly to the backing plate <b>44</b> so as to be secured onto the signage member <b>20</b>.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top view of the advertising frame <b>10</b> in accordance with one exemplary embodiment that includes a piston <b>70</b> that is attached to the signage member <b>20</b> and to the horizontal member <b>46</b> of the base member <b>18</b>. The piston <b>70</b> may be selected so as to control the opening of the signage member <b>20</b>. The piston <b>70</b> may also act as a locking mechanism in order to prevent the signage member <b>20</b> from swinging back towards the base member <b>18</b>. In this manner, a rod cover <b>74</b> may be placed over the rod <b>72</b> so as to prevent the rod <b>72</b> from retracting into the cylinder of the piston <b>70</b>. As such, the rod <b>72</b> may create a locking of the piston <b>70</b>. Additionally, other mechanisms may be employed in order to lock the position of the rod <b>72</b> of the piston <b>70</b> so as to lock the signage member <b>20</b> into a desired position. Further, other mechanisms besides the piston <b>70</b> may be employed in order to lock the position of the signage member <b>20</b> with respect to the base member <b>18</b> in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. For example, the hinge <b>24</b> may be selected so as to be lockable in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

0048The advertising frame <b>10</b> may be configured to allow for any degree of pivoting between the base member <b>18</b> and the signage member <b>20</b>. For example, the signage member <b>20</b> may be capable of pivoting up to 90° with respect to the base member <b>18</b> so that the signage member <b>20</b> is essentially perpendicular to the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>18</b>. Alternatively, the signage member <b>20</b> may be capable of pivoting up to 120° with respect to the base member <b>18</b>. Still further, the signage member <b>20</b> may be able to pivot 180° with respect to the base member <b>18</b> so that the signage member <b>20</b> is essentially parallel to the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> when opened.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a front view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the advertising frame <b>10</b> configured to carry advertising signage <b>22</b> that is a multi-display sign. The multi-display sign may be rotatable in order to display three different advertising signs as is known in the art. Here, a mechanism may turn a plurality of slats via electronic media so as to allow for multiple advertising messages. Additionally, the multi-display sign may be variously configured so as to be capable of displaying anywhere from two to three different advertising signs. The advertising signage <b>22</b> may be easily removable from the signage member <b>20</b> or may be configured therewith so as to necessitate a larger amount of labor in order to be removed therefrom.

0050The advertising frame <b>10</b> includes a rear tail light assembly <b>40</b> that is attached to the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> of the base member <b>18</b>. This feature may be useful when the advertising frame <b>10</b> would otherwise obstruct portions of the rear <b>32</b>, and possibly the tail lights of the vehicle <b>16</b>, thus making it desirable to have the rear tail light assembly <b>40</b> located on the advertising frame <b>10</b>. The rear tail light assembly <b>40</b> may include electrical attachments configured to attach to corresponding attachments on the vehicle <b>16</b> in the same manner as commonly employed with trailers that are hauled by vehicle <b>16</b>.

0051The advertising frame <b>10</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> also includes one or more lights <b>42</b> that are attached to the signage member <b>20</b> and are used to illuminate the advertising signage <b>22</b>. The lights <b>42</b> may be of any type. For instance, the lights <b>42</b> may be incandescent, fluorescent or neon lighting in various configurations. Although three lights <b>42</b> are shown, any number and/or intensity may be used in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. Further, the lights <b>42</b> need not be attached to the signage member <b>20</b> but may instead be attached to other components of the advertising frame <b>10</b> and directed onto the advertising signage <b>22</b> in order to provide for any desired illumination.

0052The advertising frame <b>10</b> may be configured so as to be useable with any type of advertising signage <b>22</b>. For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the advertising frame <b>10</b> that carries advertising signage <b>22</b> that is an LED screen that may be controlled so as to display a desired message as is commonly known in the art. Control of the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be performed by the user of the vehicle <b>16</b> or may be controlled remotely or by a microprocessor located in the LED screen. For example, a movie or clip art may be played from a DVD or other video player that may be located in the vehicle <b>16</b>. Further, the LED screen may be incorporated into the signage member <b>20</b> so as to be easily removable therefrom or may be attached so as to require a greater amount of labor for removal and attachment.

0053The LED screen, as with all other types of advertising signage <b>22</b>, may be slid in through the side <b>66</b> of the signage member <b>20</b>, or may be slid in through the top <b>62</b> or bottom <b>64</b> of the signage member <b>20</b> in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. Additionally, the signage member <b>20</b> may be configured for holding the advertising signage <b>22</b> in a variety of manners besides through the use of channels <b>36</b> and <b>38</b>. For example, the advertising signage <b>22</b> may be bolted, clipped, and/or snap-fitted to the signage member <b>20</b>.

0054The exemplary embodiment of the advertising frame <b>10</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> includes a hinge <b>24</b> that is located on the horizontal member <b>46</b> of the base member <b>18</b>. In this manner, the advertising signage <b>22</b> is pivoted downward so as to be positioned out of the way of tailgates, hatches, trunks or other components of the vehicle <b>16</b>. A pair of latches <b>26</b> may be employed on the vertical members <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> so as to retain the signage member <b>20</b> in the closed position. Although not shown, the signage member <b>20</b> may be pivoted upwards in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention so as to be moved out of the way of the various storage compartments and components of the vehicle <b>16</b>.

0055As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the hinge <b>24</b> is attached to the horizontal member <b>46</b> of the base member <b>18</b> and to the bottom <b>64</b> of the signage member <b>20</b> so that the signage member <b>20</b> pivots about the horizontal member <b>46</b>. As such, the signage member <b>20</b> is vertically pivotable in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> as the signage member <b>20</b> pivots only in the vertical direction with respect to the base member <b>18</b>. A license plate holder <b>80</b> may be attached to the advertising frame <b>10</b> if desired.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the advertising frame <b>10</b> in which the advertising signage <b>22</b> is a scrolling sign that displays electronic words that move from left to right. The scrolling sign may be controlled by a computer located in the vehicle <b>16</b> or remotely. Alternatively, the scrolling sign <b>22</b> may be controlled by an input located proximate to the scrolling sign <b>22</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the advertising frame <b>10</b> does not include a base member <b>18</b> as shown with previously exemplary embodiments. Here, the hinge <b>24</b> is attached directly to the vehicle engagement member <b>12</b> and the signage member <b>20</b>. As shown, the signage member <b>20</b> is arranged so as to pivot downward and thus be positioned essentially parallel to the roof of the vehicle <b>16</b>. The signage member <b>20</b> may be bolted or otherwise attached to the rear <b>32</b> of the vehicle <b>16</b> so as to maintain the position of the signage member <b>20</b> therewith. Alternatively, the hinge <b>24</b> may be selected so as to be lockable and thus prevent the signage member <b>20</b> from inadvertently moving into the open position.

0057It should be understood that the present invention includes various modifications that can be made to the embodiments of the advertising frame <b>10</b> for use with a vehicle <b>16</b> described herein as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.